Advanced Windows PowerShell Scripting Video Training

Sunday, January 25, 2009

By default, once you specify a backup location in the WINS MMC, Windows will backup the WINS database every 24 hours. Here is how you can back it up on a schedule.

First you need to configure WINS to do a backup when it shuts down.• Open the WINS MMC.• Right mouse click the server and select Properties.• On the General tab, check Backup database during server shutdown.• Also, specify a default backup path.

A simple batch file will do the trick.

Net Stop WINSNet Start WINSExit

Use the Task Scheduler to run this at the required interval. Don’t forget to give the task the credentials to perform this task.

To maintain availability, make sure that you have 2 WINS servers and your clients knows about both servers. Configure them as Push/Pull partners. The backup only needs to be done on one server.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

When a file in a DFS folder is changed in two or more locations between replication, a conflict occurs. The last one saved is going to be the one that is replicated. To ensure no critical data is lost, look for a folder on the local path of the replicated folder called DfsrPrivate/ConflictandDelete. You should find what you are looking for there.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Simply put, anything lower is not supported. Microsoft did not include NAP compatibility in the older Service Packs. XP is compatible with NAP as long as it is up to date with SP3. Windows XP Home and Vista Home editions are also not compatible because they lack the ability to join a domain with is an NAP requirement.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Airports are designed to #1 get you to your flight, #2 get money out of you. Let's take a look at some ways to save money.

Book your parking as well as your ticket ahead of time. In this industry, we do not always know when we are going to need a plane ticket. We could get that call on Friday to be 2000 miles away by Monday morning. When ever possible though, book a parking space. Airport offsite parking is by default, cheaper then on site parking. Also, you can get up to 50% off by making a reservation.

Food is another big one. Can you say "captive audiance?" Its true. Even if you are picking someone up and cannot get through security. They know that the nearest fast food joint is usually 20 - 30 minutes away. Once you go through security, well, make it a few hours away. Try eating before you leave. At the very least, before you get to the airport. By not arriving hungry, you will be less tempted to grab a snack.

Reading material. It's nice to browse the magazine rack before your flight, but leave the magazines on the rack. Stop by your local grocery store and grab your reading material there.

It would be nice for those using Server 2008 as a workstation OS, but it looks like we will have to rely on Volume Shadow Copy Service and good old backups.

Update to this article - May 8, 2009

For those of you running your environments in Hyper-V and want some sort of system restore, take a look at Hyper-V snapshots. Just remember to keep your data elsewhere and to thoroughly test using snapshots before using them in a production environment.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Microsoft tries to work with vendors to make their products compatible with the Windows Security Center. The product must be registered with Windows Security Center for its status to be reported to NAP for a validation check. As for how far out of date a definition file can be, NAP does not provide for this. APIs are available to developers so they can develop SHA’s (System Health Agents) to work with NAP to says the software is up to date or not.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Proceed with caution. The Schema Operations Master role is the hardest of the Flexible Single Operations Master roles to find. That should be a clear single to not tamper with it unless told to do so. Here is what you need to do:

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Yes you can, but not like you can for other services like DHCP or WINS. There are also different procedures for active directory integrated zones and non-integrated zones. Below is a link to an article in MCPMAG.COM that explains the steps in detail.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Windows Server 2008 has some really neat features to help make your users (and your) life easier. One of them is Distributed File System. There is a sure fire way to ruin this feature, having an incompatible antivirus product.

Since a move to Windows Server 2008 and antivirus protection is a big investment in your business, neglecting compatability in your antivirus protection can cause a serious cost over run.

There is also a hot fix availible for ForeFront client users. If your files take unexpectedly long to replicate, check out this link. 3rd party antivirus vendors may also have this issue as well.http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=956123

Friday, January 2, 2009

Every once and a while I jump into some IT forums to try and help others achieve there goals. Here is one from the forums at MCPMag.com.

Help! Applied for IT Job need some advice Hello. I have a B.A. in Geographic Information Systems. After ten years in this field I have found that I have really enjoyed troubleshooting Windows and fixing computers in general. I am the family and friends IT guy. I'v taken classes in XP Pro and Linux systems administration, as well as DOS and Linux commands. But most of my experience has been in Database analysis and SQL. My problem is that I don't have any certifications yet. I'm currently pursing my MCSA. But I don't have any certs yet. I've recently applied fot these types of positions, but I don't seem to get into the interviews. Is it possible for someone like me to land an IT position? Can anyone give me some advice as to what I could focus on so that I can just get in the door? Any advice would be welcomed. I have just recently applied for another IT position, in Government, that doesn't require certs, but I would like to do all I can to make it happen. Thanks again for any advice.My responce:Chad,Hang in there. In this economic environment, it is tough for everyone. I recommend that you continue to pursue your certification goals. The more firepower you have on your resume, the better your chances are of getting noticed. Getting into government work can help you get experience. You will find a lot of government workers successful, yet comfortable in their positions. In short, anyone with ambition can get promotions and new experience in government. Just make yourself visible in everything you do and the opportunities to expand will be there.

Once you get your MCSA, take a look at the new certifications. Microsoft is not offering MCSA/MCSE for Windows Server 2008. Completing an MCSA in Windows Server 2003 will give you a great foundation for to become a Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP). By doing this, you make yourself more marketable to not only future employers, but your current one as well.

Also look at the public school systems. That is where I got my start 12 years ago. Now I'm a Microsoft Certified Trainer.

Respectfully,JasonAs MCTs, we can help each other out also by encouraging others to achieve their goals. I'm sure that I will most likely never meet this individual in one of my classes, but one of you will. Take a few minutes and mentor someone. In the long run, it helps your fellow MCTs and the careers of those whom you have touched.